Recruiting specialist, Chad Groth of Area Codes Basketball (areacodesbasketball) put on his first "New Mexico Super 80" event featuring plenty of top players from each classification.

(Albuquerque, NM - Eldorado High School) - The one day event featured plenty of prospects and players from across the state of New Mexico with several prospects making 6 to 8 hour drives. The event also hosted plenty of media members from Californians Dinos Trigonis to The Lobo Lairs Mark Chavez. Also in attendance was 2012 NMPreps.com Mr. Basketball and current University of New Mexico player Cullen Neal.

Grine's Thoughts: The one player that stood out the most and that will certaintly rise in the NMPreps.com Top 100 Player Rankings was Warren Smith. First, he highlighted the final game by putting on a show with his dunking ability. Then completely took over the game, hitting from behind the arch to penetrating to the rim essentially with "ease". He was under control throughout the game and did a lot of everything well. More of a wing, Smith will need to get quicker off the dribble but overall - if placed with a solid point guard - he could be the diamond left in the New Mexico desert.

Level: Division-1 to JUCO

Grine's Thoughts: The most controlled and poised player throughout the event was Seth Watuema, who is clearly the most underrated player in New Mexico. He hides at class 1A To'hajillee High School just west of Albuquerque. Watuema, floated around the court and was in the right place with great off-the ball movement. Not super quick but he knew how to move on the glide. He definitely caught the eye of one college coach in the stands.

Level: Division-2, JUCO, NAIA

Grine's Thoughts: The high flying wing showed his athleticism this afternoon with continued attacks with aggression to the rim. Plenty of confidence and abilities to get to the rim. Jones needs to get better off the dribble but overall the kid can play and above the rim at that. He has the potential and tools to be a solid D-1 kid and will need to dedicate himself to the gym. Side note, he dominated today after playing big minutes last night as wide receiver for the Sandia Matadors football team.

Level: Division-1, JUCO, Division II

Grine's Thoughts: Saltes is a very talented prospect but didn't have the best of showings on the day. Still showed plenty of positives with his passing abilities. HE attacked on each of his penetrations. He is currently being recruited by Utah State among others and could really become a talented next level kid all he needs to do is slow down a tad. He works well under a system - reason he could be thriving under Joe Coleman (HC at Valley High School).

Level: Division-1, JUCO

Grine's Thoughts: Yes, I am giving love to an 8th grader. Cunningham played in the opening game for the day in the 2018-2019 game and showed everyone who the next big star is to come out of New Mexico. A lefty, pure lefty, showed a nice hook shot and basically "owned" this game. He was heads and shoulders the best underclassman prospect.

Level: Division-1

Austen Drake (6-4/2014/Hope Christian): Drake known for a finesse post player showed range and hit jumpers off transition.

TJ Holyfield (6'8/2014/Manzano High School): Clearly the most talented overall basketball prospect in New Mexico as he has an offer from Auburn University but he really didn't take over the event like projected.

John Paul Garcia (5'11/2016/Tucumcari): I liked Garcia today and he did a lot of little things well. Penetrated well and made plays from the backcourt.

Joe Anaya (6'1/2014/Valley): Anaya put on muscle from last season and though he didn't have his best day the kid has an IQ that fuels his game. Workhorse!

Richie Lucero (6'5/2016/Grants): Lucero was one of the better post players on the day. The 6'5 forward has serious potential.

A long day took place and unfortunately I don't know how to keep a hold of my notes along with the roster event. More on the event will roll out tomorrow and I will bring more names. I am missing plenty of names that I liked today. Expect around 10-15 more players tomorrow and a bigger breakdown of the day. Kid from Gadsden, Mayfield, Poaque Valley among others, hang tight and I will roll out more names.

I also noticed some players were wearing different jersey numbers that originally printed on the roster - so if that was you shoot me an e-mail or text so I can make sure I have some information published on you today. Just name and number you wore. (grinejosh@yahoo.com/505-414-4313)